Meeting Enoch in Jude: A Short Record of Sacred Steps

In the Bible, Enoch is a figure mentioned very briefly. Yet, his name remains etched in our hearts for a long time. Not because Enoch left many words behind, but because he is clearly remembered as someone who was righteous before God. Especially Jude 14-15 reveals important truths through Enoch. A life walking closely with God is not vague mysticism, but a sincere knowledge of God's holiness and judgment.

Jude is a letter written amidst threats of false teachings and moral decay in the early church. On the surface, it uses language of faith, but in reality, it infiltrates the community with an indulgent attitude that turns God's grace into license, denying our Lord Jesus Christ. In this context, Jude exhorts believers to earnestly contend for the faith, reminding them with various examples that God does not take evil lightly. Among these, Enoch appears.

Jude 14-15 states: "It was also about these that Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, ‘Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousand of his holy ones, to judge all and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.’" The repeated phrase here is ‘ungodly.’ Through Enoch's name, Jude reveals that the biblical truth—that God has long hated sin and will judge evil—has been proclaimed since ancient times.

What’s crucial here is that Enoch's prophecy isn’t merely about conveying future information. It bears witness to God's very nature: He is love, yet also Holy. The Bible never separates these two. We risk weakening holiness by only speaking of love or dulling grace by only emphasizing holiness. Yet, the true Gospel clings to both. The glory of the Gospel is that a holy God, who perceives sin seriously, gave His only Son to save sinners. Therefore, when we meditate on Enoch, our focus ultimately turns to Jesus Christ. The certainty of judgment intensifies the urgency of the Gospel, and the grace of the Cross prevents us from taking holiness lightly.

The brief biblical account of Enoch’s life is actually beneficial for us. The Bible doesn’t spend much time describing his appearance, detailed career, or emotional changes. Instead, it highlights how he walked before God. This challenges us today as well: How impressive am I before others, and what is the direction of my walk before God? Faith isn’t proven only through remarkable moments visible to others. Often, what matters more is what we choose when no one is watching, in silent obscurity.

For example, at the start of a busy day, we might want to delay reading Scripture due to a hectic schedule. Choosing to briefly read a passage and reorient our hearts toward the Lord, even in small measures, is never insignificant. When someone’s words seem unfair, reacting with honesty and restraint rather than immediate retaliation also matters. Persisting in covering up sin dulls the heart over time; confessing honestly before God brightens the soul. A life walking with God often reveals itself in these small daily choices.